SPORT.com has all the latest news, updates, views and reaction from around the footballing world. Alexander Isak has shocked Newcastle United by informing the club he wants to explore a move

Newcastle's latest pre-season defeat at least brought some positives. There was no Isak again but Elanga is off the mark

Isak, who has emerged as a priority target, has made clear his intention to remain at the top level of European football. Despite interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and a lucrative proposal worth a reported £600,000 per week, the Swedish international has set his sights on a switch to Merseyside.

Isak's wish to quit St James' Park can be traced back to last summer, with three factors now cited as reasons behind the Liverpool target's unhappiness

Then there are Isak’s wages. His exact demands are unknown but given his status as one of the world’s leading players a range of £250,000 to £300,000 a week is far from unreasonable. At that level, the hit to a club would be £15m-£18m annually.

Liverpool’s transfer radar has zoomed in on Alexander Isak following dramatic developments at Newcastle United. The Swedish striker, valued by many at around £130 million, has reportedly made his intentions clear to leave the Magpies, igniting speculation about a record-breaking offer from the Reds.

A few weeks can make a huge difference in evaluating a club's season outlook, and the flurry of reports regarding star striker Alexander Isak have put a worrying cap on a troubling fortnight at Newcastle United.

Arsenal are the other club that have been most readily linked with Isak given their desperate need for a new No.9. However, given the finances involved in a deal for the Newcastle man, the Gunners also turned to an alternative in his Sweden teammate Viktor Gyökeres.

Transfer news LIVE!The madness of this summer’s transfer window continues, with Premier League clubs left, right, and centre willing to spend big in a pursuit for success this season. Arsenal, who finished second in the division last term,